Word Origin & History

asterisk late 14c., from L.L. asteriscus, from Gk. asterikos "little star," dim. of aster "star" (see astro-). The meaning "figure used in printing and writing to indicate footnote, omission, etc." first recorded 1610s.

Example Sentences for asterisks

Such liberties have been taken with all those pieces which have three asterisks subjoined, thus ⁂.

Footnotes, marked with asterisks or numbers, were printed at the bottom of the page.

When the author quoted extensively from other sources, he used a row of between 3-6 asterisks to represent omitted material.

We should ourselves have placed the asterisks after the word “the.”

She might be willing to begin a new chapter, but she knows that asterisks in the wrong place are fatal.

In warnings, foot-notes, and asterisks it was particularly rich.

I will draw a veil and asterisks over what Mrs. Pettigrew said.

I will draw a veil and asterisks over what Mrs Pettigrew said.

The notes marked with asterisks are approximately a quarter of a tone sharp.

The reader will find these notes referred to by asterisks in the text.